Celebrating Female Oscar Wins: 10 Iconic Women in Film History

For 94 illustrious years, the Academy Awards, fondly known as the Oscars, have been a beacon for recognizing cinematic excellence. Despite the strides toward gender equality in recent years, the film industry remains predominantly male-dominated, often overshadowing the remarkable contributions of female artists. Nonetheless, amidst these challenges, several exceptionally talented women have triumphed, earning multiple prestigious Female Oscar Wins and etching their names into cinematic history.

Table of Contents

1. Cate Blanchett: 2 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
The Aviator	2004	Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Blue Jasmine	2013	Best Actress in a Leading Role

Australian sensation Cate Blanchett has dazzled audiences with her versatile performances in acclaimed films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. While her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I earned her a nomination in 1998, it was her compelling roles in The Aviator and Blue Jasmine that secured her two coveted Female Oscar Wins.

2. Jane Fonda: 2 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
Klute	1971	Best Actress in a Leading Role
Coming Home	1978	Best Actress in a Leading Role

Renowned for her talent and activism, Jane Fonda has left an indelible mark on cinema. From her early success in Barbarella to her stirring performances in Klute and Coming Home, Fonda’s journey to two Female Oscar Wins mirrors her commitment to both her craft and causes she passionately champions.

3. Maggie Smith: 2 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie	1969	Best Actress in a Leading Role
California Suite	1978	Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Dame Maggie Smith’s illustrious career spans decades, earning her accolades in theater, television, and film. With her memorable portrayals in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite, Smith’s two Female Oscar Wins underscore her mastery of the craft and enduring legacy in British cinema.

4. Elizabeth Taylor: 2 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
BUtterfield 8	1960	Best Actress in a Leading Role
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?	1966	Best Actress in a Leading Role

Elizabeth Taylor’s captivating presence and undeniable talent captivated audiences worldwide. Garnering two Female Oscar Wins for her compelling performances in BUtterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Taylor’s cinematic prowess remains an enduring testament to her unparalleled legacy.

5. Thelma Schoonmaker: 3 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
Taxi Driver	1980	Best Film Editing
The Aviator	2004	Best Achievement in Film Editing
The Departed	2006	Best Achievement in Film Editing

Behind every cinematic masterpiece lies the meticulous craftsmanship of editors like Thelma Schoonmaker. With three Female Oscar Wins for her contributions to films like Taxi Driver and The Departed, Schoonmaker’s indelible impact on the art of editing reshapes our cinematic landscape.

6. Meryl Streep: 3 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
Kramer vs. Kramer	1979	Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Sophie’s Choice	1982	Best Actress in a Leading Role
The Iron Lady	2011	Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Meryl Streep’s unparalleled talent and versatility have earned her the distinction of the most Oscar-nominated performer in history. With three Female Oscar Wins and a remarkable 21 nominations, Streep’s cinematic journey embodies excellence and artistic integrity.

7. Ingrid Bergman: 3 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
Gaslight	1944	Best Actress in a Leading Role
Anastasia	1956	Best Actress in a Leading Role
Murder on the Orient Express	1974	Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Swedish luminary Ingrid Bergman’s unparalleled grace and talent captivated audiences across generations. With three Female Oscar Wins for her unforgettable performances, Bergman’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors worldwide.

8. Frances McDormand: 3 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
Fargo	1996	Best Actress in a Leading Role
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri	2017	Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Nomadland	2020	Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Frances McDormand’s raw authenticity and unmatched talent have made her a formidable presence in Hollywood. With three Female Oscar Wins and a slew of acclaimed performances, McDormand’s impact on cinema is nothing short of extraordinary.

9. Katharine Hepburn: 4 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
Morning Glory	1933	Best Actress in a Leading Role
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner	1967	Best Actress in a Leading Role
The Lion in Winter	1968	Best Actress in a Leading Role
On Golden Pond	1981	Best Actress in a Leading Role

Katharine Hepburn’s unparalleled talent and charisma cement her status as a Hollywood icon. With four Female Oscar Wins for Best Actress, Hepburn’s remarkable legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.

10. Edith Head: 8 Wins

Movie	Year of Release	Category
The Heiress	1949	Best Costume Design, Black-and-White
Samson and Delilah	1949	Best Costume Design, Color
Eva	1951	Best Costume Design, Black-and-White
A Place in the Sun	1951	Best Costume Design, Black-and-White
Roman Holiday	1953	Best Costume Design, Black-and-White
Sabrina	1954	Best Costume Design, Black-and-White
The Facts of Life	1960	Best Costume Design, Black-and-White
The Sting	1973	Best Costume Design

Edith Head’s unparalleled talent and vision revolutionized costume design in cinema. With eight Female Oscar Wins, her indelible contributions continue to shape the aesthetics of film and inspire generations of designers.

In celebrating these remarkable women and their unparalleled achievements, we honor their enduring legacy and the transformative power of cinema. As we look to the future, may their stories inspire a new generation of filmmakers and pave the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in the film industry.